TeeJay

Obviously, my 127, but, on a new strap courtessy of Victoria Toscana carbon fiber. Apparently, the last carbon fiber strap Toscana made with the sewn-in buckle As she predicted, I put it on straight away, and, it goes incredibly with my

Thanks Not too sure what 1950s you've been looking at, but that's how the good folks at OP designed it (check the image properties for validating the image )

It does indeed, it's good to know I'm not the only one in this kind of situation. God-willing, I'll be making the donation by the end of the month

Have you thought of one of the larger Radiomirs?

How about a 112? I would post a pic, but I don't have one in my collection... Would've been a 'grail watch' for me, but my 127 just doesn't come off my wrist that much anymore, as I've gotten used to the size. Another suggestion, would be a 210 Radiomir (again, not one I have in my collection)

For me, it wasn't so much a case of 'cheating the system', just that I wasn't prepared to pay for a service which I simply couldn't receive, especially when it was 'the system', which had notified them, rather than me going in and asking for a licence application form. I don't mind Big Brother watching me, but that doesn't mean I'm prepared to just 'hand over my lunch money' at the first approach of a bully

Had I received the

Actually, I can't really talk. I never paid my TV licence when I was living in my flat, for the simple reason that, because the reception was [censored], I just unplugged the aerial and just used the TV as a 'screen' for my PS2. (I wouldn't've even applied for a licence, but buying the TV was enough that the snitches at Argos informed the licencing board that another TV had been sold ) When I received a letter from them asking for their licence fee, I explained that I didn't have the TV plugged into an aerial, had no reception, and only used it for DVD playback/gaming use, and was then told that all the time the TV wasn't connected to an aerial, I didn't actually have to pay. A month or so later, I got another letter asking for the licence fee (pretty obviously automatically generated) so I phoned up, explained the situation, and said what the first person had said. The operative put me on hold to confer with their supervisor, but promptly came back on, and confirmed that, indeed, I did not need a licence Do any of the Brits remember the Hale & Pace sketch with the 'TV Detector' van?

Absolutely awesome watch, awesome purchase Glad someone else said it first

I know what you mean, as that's what I felt when a friend was looking at my 029a in the pub. She didn't grab my wrist, I think Emily would've ripped her arm off, then mine (she's more than a tad jealous of Nicola, despite the fact we're godparents to her son ) but it was nice for someone to actually notice the watch without any kind of attention drawn to it first. Since then, I have found myself wearing the 029a more than before, but then again, that could just be by being in circumstances where I didn't want my 127 endangered. When we're going to my friend's birthday (staying a few days) I'll be wearing my 127, but, I'll also take my 029a, as we'll be laser-questing saturday, followed by an evening in and out of bars, and, while I want to wear something I don't mind taking a few dings while laser-questing, I don't want to be wearing a complete POS (like my black plastic submariner ) when we then move on to classier establishments later on

Indeed, the more the merrier, sadly, when others have asked about alternative smiths, people have reacted as if they'd been casting aspersions about Ziggy, or doubts about the quality of his work, simply for asking for alternate sources... Maybe folks need to realize the points you made above, about Ziggy's workload, and then they'd see that people are asking out of necessity, rather than any other reasons...

This isn't directed to you personally, but as your post features the best description of the situation, it is the most apt to use to respond to. Given that that's the case, would it not make sense to have other watchsmiths available, which could take some of the pressure off Ziggy? I've seen people rip into TWP, but personally, I've always thought the level of work shown has been excellent. Given Ziggy is as busy as he is, it is not an affront to him for people to ask about other smiths...

Have to admit, until I met Emily, I'd never been one for cats. Now, if only Rosie was a pure white Persian, (given how she tends to use me as a seat ) she would be absolutely perfect Good evening, Mister Bond [Edit to add] Technically, she's Emily's mum's cat, but she every time she picks her up, she bites her Doesn't bite us though

Thanks Victoria I felt it was time I made some contribution to the community, and at present, reviews is the best way I can do that It also gave me something to do this morning Those two photos... Want to know why the majority of the water shots were 'off the wrist'? By the time I'd taken the second photo, my hand and lower arm were numb I took two photos to show the doming of the crystal, that one, and a second one without shadows. I felt that one drew more attention to the watch Glad you enjoyed the review When my friend starts wearing smart shoes rather than trainers, I'll get him some decent straps for the watch

My wife's cat, Rosie:

Okay, so I didn't have anything to do this morning, and, knowing that this watch will only be under my protection for another four days, I figured I'd best review it while I had the chance The watch in question, is a Radiomir ordered for one of my best friends' birthdays. As folks may have read, this was not the exact model watch I ordered, but, due to mentioning this particular model, with regards a strap change, (which I wanted for myself) it's easy to see how the error could have arrisen. We're all Human, we all make mistakes, and, the dealer in question was extremely apologetic. I could have returned it for exchange, but, due to the time it would have taken to reach China, the return time for the replacement would likely have been the day we leave for the birthday, which would have been cutting things a little too close, as without it, there would be no gift, so I decided to just keep the watch received. In all honesty, it is still a nice watch in it's own right. Not quite a 210, but something close, and certainly worthy of wrist-time and appreciation. About my review: In writing this review, I am going to follow the style of a review which ultimately led to my interest in Omega watches, and ultimately reps, John B. Holbrook, II's excellent comparitive review, Omega Seamster Professional Vs Rolex Submariner. I am going to be judging the watch as objectively, and honestly as possible, giving justifications for my reasonings as I go. These scores are purely based upon my own observations and opinions about the watch, people are free to agree or disagree as they wish. A note about my 'scoring system': I will be scoring on a scale of 0 - 10, with 5 being the mid-way score. A score of 5, would mean that the 'aspect' performs its intended function. And no more. A score of five, in academic terms, would be considered 'a pass', but the lowest possible pass, and single lower mark would have meant a failing grade. Respectively, a 0 reflects a total failure to perform the designated role, and a 10 represents a performance of the designated role which goes 'above and beyond', and could not possibly be better. Let's get started... CASE: Pretty awesome, really. Classic cushion-shaped Radiomir case. Cleanly executed, highly polished, nice etchings on rear corners. Designed for use in naval combat, so not requiring any embelishments. Utilitarian, but elegant. My one gripe is no crown-guards of any kind, which leaves the crown hideously exposed to impact (when worn on the left wrist) RATING: 8 (would be higher, if crown-guards were present) BEZEL: Not much to say here. Does what it's supposed to do... RATING: 10 CASEBACK: Simplicity itself. Crisp, clear engravings. Mineral crystal affords excellent view of Asian Unitas 6497 movement. Saphire would be nice, but, in all honesty, not necessary. RATING: 9 CROWN: The unprotected onion crown features well-defined ridges as a gripping surface, and the logo. The ridges are easy to grip, and give firm resistance for operation of the crown. Crown screws in and out smoothly without hint of 'grinding' or 'stripping'. RATING: 10 DIAL: One of the highlights of the watch. Color is charcoal grey, with white printing. Dial indices are elegant and, while certainly not as attention-grabbing as a sandwich dial, still appealing and attractive. Lume is nothing special. If lume was of the standard on my PVD 111g, it would have been a flawless aspect. RATING: 9 HANDS: Large, straight, hands are easy to read at a glance. Something I cannot identify, seems 'off' about them. When they are not reflecting silver, it is not an issue, so this could be a case of black hands suiting this watch better. Functionally, they are fine, but aesthetically, they do the watch no favors. RATING: 8 CRYSTAL: Slightly domed saphire crystal does not distort the view of the dial in any way. Rating: 9 (would be 10 if AR coated) STRAP: Instead of being on a leather strap, I specifically installed a 26mm Caoutchouc-style rubber dive strap, so it would better fit in with my friend's wardrobe. Takes away much of the elegance which the Radiomir is currently popular for, but, does harken back to it's original military origins. The thick ends of the strap do make the watch appear somewhat 'flat', compared to how a 127, fitted with the same strap, would look. However, strap is comfortable and not too much of a 'dust trap'. Markings and lettering on strap surfaces is crisp and clear. RATING: 8 BUCKLE: Buckle has no sharp edges to damage the strap in any way. Highly polished, with well executed etchings rather than engravings. RATING: 9 VERSATILITY: The Radiomir is incredibly versatile, based upon strap chosen to accompany the watch. Incredibly elegant on crocodile, casual on honey/tan, and functional on rubber. I can undestand why many choose the Radiomir as a 'dress watch', although in the case of it's intended owner, it will likely never be worn with a suit, hense the choice of strap. RATING: 10 UNSCORED EXTRAS: Given that I don't have the time, or the budget to replace this watch before my friend's birthday, this is a testament to the confidence I have in it, and by extension, the dealer I bought it from. What's this?! What am I doing?! A rep near water?! Try not to sh*t yourselves in excitement Not a hint of fogg- OH NO!!!! HAHA, it was just condensation on the outside of the case Submarine-style: CONCLUSIONS: POSSIBLE SCORE: 100 OVERALL SCORE: 90 Overall, this watch is very nice. For my own personal collection, I would prefer a Radiomir with a sandwich dial, but, as I keep reminding myself, this watch is not mine, nor intended to be part of my collection, so I have tried to judge it as objectively as possible. As stated above, these opinions are solely my own, and others are free to agree or disagree with them as they wish. I hope this has been an informative review, thanks for reading

If I recall, it was summer 2006 that Omega pulled it from civilian sales. How've you been finding the alarm? Loud enough for you?

Ahh, that's fair enough, afterall, colors can clash, so quite understandable... Rubber's always a good choice

You know the old interview favorite, "What three historical figures (living or dead) would you have dinner with?" Well, I'm a little bored, listening to Creedence, so figured I'd throw a curveball to that question. Which three fictional characters (of any medium) would you have dinner with? (dinner can be substituted for just 'hanging out' rather than formal meal) For my three 'imaginary friends', I'd choose Dean Winchester, Captain Jack Harkness and Rupert Campbell-Black. Anyone who knows these guys' reps knows that'd mean a pretty awesome party

If I recall, the positioning of the HE valve is different (in line with the 10 position, where it should (and was on the old model) be slightly higher) Other than that, I'm not too sure...

The X-33 is an awesome watch, and now pretty hard to come across, as they're no longer sold to the civilian market. Awesome purchase

Wow, what an amazing GTG, it looks like everyone had a fantastic time Sorry I couldn't make it, too many financial commitments conspired against me. Glad everyone enjoyed Belgium though Insha'Allah* I plan to be at the next GTG * (Translates as 'God willing', 'if it is God's will')

An update as my preferences have changed slightly in the past months (again ) Daily Beater - PAM 127 on honey/tan shark Dress Watch - Pam 127 on white stitched black croc Smart Casual - PAM 127 on bordeaux Sporty - Pam 127 on carbon fiber or rubber (activity dependant) Vintage - Vintagized PAM 127 o- who am I kidding Vintage Radiomir all the way, bitches : The wonder of 'economy'